"What did you do at school today, Leia?"

"We learned about fire today! And one time Ava touched something that we use to light the peacekeeper candle with! Matches are dangerous. Lighters are dangerous. We read a book about fire today at second circle. I like firefighters and I like fire because the most thing I like about fire is fire dragons! I had a job today! My job was to straighten the works in the library, but I didn't have to do my jobs because everything was already clean! For a few years they did mess up the works, but now they're not doing it. The teachers are happy about that. For snack there were these kind of crackers that tasted just like a kind of nut, and we were learning about nuts too. The end."

And THEN later I got this email from Mrs. Tench:
Dear Parents, In case you are wondering what your child is trying to tell you about school today, we were privileged to have some very special guests. The Khmer Arts Ensemble were taking a special guest's class at the studio today. When they finished we were invited into the studio for a brief but very special Cambodian classical dance performance. The music and the dance captivated the children. Afterwards the young Cambodian dancers were thrilled to be with your little ones. The dancers are so far from home right now. It was clear that children are very precious to them and they all wanted their picture taken with the children. The Company Director told our children if they dug a hole where they are on this side of the earth, they would come out in Cambodia on the other side of the earth. This would be a great time to follow up by looking at the globe together and finding some books in the library. In case you would like to see the dancers as well, they will be performing this Friday night at 8:00 PM in Memorial Hall at UNC. Go to www.carolinaperformingarts.org for more information. Just wanted to share this part of your child's day with you..... Cynthia

And I thought WHAT!!! Leia Rose didn't talk about it at ALL!!! We had to kind of pry it out of her at dinner! And her basic response was, "Yes, they looked Asian. I got to talk to one of them. And they added a verse to our Montessori song that went 'we shake a visitor's hand.'" ???? So interesting what kids find fun and interesting! : ) Here's more about what I read on the website:

Pamina Devi: A Cambodian Magic Flute - Khmer Arts Ensemble

The brilliant classicism of imperial Vienna meets the mythic splendor of ancient Angkor in Pamina Devi: A Cambodian Magic Flute, a contemporary re-imagining of Mozart’s fantastical opera. Performed in the refined, elaborate movement language of Cambodian classical dance and accompanied by a live instrumental ensemble, 32 dancers, singers and musicians take the stage to explore the themes of enlightened change and transformation that frame Mozart’s masterpiece.

Cultures meld as we follow Pamina’s arduous journey to transcend the rivalries and betrayals from which she is born and seek out a middle path of justice, tolerance and love. Commissioned by Peter Sellars for his New Crowned Hope Festival in Vienna, Pamina Devi is performed by the acclaimed Khmer Arts Ensemble from Phnom Penh.

In Khmer with English supertitles.